HC Deb 04 August 1904 vol 139 c977
MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will direct inquiries to be made by the British Consuls, or some other reliable authority, in Holland, Belgium, and Germany, concerning the number of old and slaughtered horses, or horses unfit for work, that are periodically exported from this country, with a view of ascertaining for what purpose their carcases are used, and whether their flesh is made into condiments of various kinds, returned to this country, and sold as articles of food.

EARL PERCY

As regards the first paragraph of the hon. Member's Question, I will inquire whether the statistics could not be obtained through the Government Department here. As regards the last paragraph, there is no objection to instructing His Majesty's representatives abroad to ask for the information which the hon. Member desires.

MR. CREMER

Will the noble Lord give instructions that it shall be done?

EARL PERCY

Yes, Sir.